36th Week of Pregnancy

As said, the baby will not grow any long. In week 36 of your pregnancy, it is 17.2- to 18.7-inch and weighs around 4.2- to 5.8 pound. It will continue to beef up.

Baby's growth and development

The baby in this week is getting closer to being capable to breathe on its own. Its skin is becoming smoother and softer while the gums are getting rigid. The liver and kidneys also are in working order. The circulatory and immune systems are also fit to go.

Mother's Development

Changes You Experience

Most mothers feel that they have stopped expanding now. This is not true. You continue to gain weight, although it is very little. Stretch marks are quite visible and extremely itchy and uncomfortable.

As a result of the expanded body, it is a herculean task to do anything small, like picking up the newspaper or tying one’s shoelaces.

With the huge body, it becomes impossible to sleep well. During the last few weeks, the you may be fully deprived of sleep. If the baby has dropped by now, breathing becomes quite easy. Braxton Hicks contractions increase in frequency and duration.

Complications

Getting a full body massage is advisable during this period. One can visit a chiropractor for the same and will surely see a remarkable improvement in the lower backache, fatigue, discomfort and swelling of feet and hands.

Breech birth is a complication that many women face during delivery. If the baby is not engaged, there may be difficulties in delivering the baby. As the baby is not upside down and there is no space to turn back, it is advised that women have a caesarean section to deliver the baby is such cases.

Diet

Owing to your pregnancy weight, you may not be able to have large meals. If the baby has dropped and you are taking small meals, there won't be any problem of constipation.

You can indulge in some healthy light meals at this stage like strawberry or banana shake, cheese and salad sandwich, and light snacks like boiled corn and porridge. The key is to maintain the right quantity of essential nutrients in the diet.